Posted at 15:17:34 IST on Mar 31, 2010
An attempt to reflect on the week-long spiritual feast, Bhagavata Saptaaham, held in Prasanthi Nilayam in the immediate Divine presence, where “His Story” was narrated in His very own presence. Ms.Jullie Chaudhury writes from Pune…
Constant source of Divine Bliss,
Abundant Love,
Incessant Grace,
What a Boon and a Blessing is This…
On the banks of Sarayu river was the city of Ayodhya and Lord Narayana appeared as Sri Ram Avatar,
On the shores of Yamuna was the city of Mathura where the Lord took birth as Sri Krishna Avatar,
By the side of river Chitravati lies Puttaparthi where the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has come as Sai Avatar…
…so sang Sri Rituraj Maharaj as he began his recitation of Srimad Bhagavat Katha…
Kaushalyanandan, Yeshodanandan, Eashwarinandan…
A Darshan of Beloved Bhagawan makes any heart sing with delight, so what can one say of the immense good fortune of listening to the Srimad Bhagavatam in His cherished presence…?
Indeed auspicious is this time and so very blessed are we. The story of creation, of the various forms Lord Narayana assumed to protect His devotees and Mother Earth through the different Yugas, was narrated ever so vividly by Sri Rituraj Maharaj, leaving the gathering enchanted… The katha (story) of Hari in Sri Hari’s immediate presence, transported one back in to time, and each moment was vibrantly relived. Sai Kulwant Hall had wonderful depictions of the different forms of the Avatar and charming pictures of Sri Krishna performing His leelas.
The narration was interwoven with hymns, music and devotional songs stirring all hearts with supreme devotion towards Beloved Bhagawan. Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha…the extreme dedication of Prahlad, Vamana, Parasurama, Lord Sri Rama…
When the Maharaj recounted the times of Sri Krishna, Kulwant Hall was transformed in to Brindavan, and the devotees in to gopas and gopikas, cows and calves. The pillars became trees and tulasi plants. Birds chirped and peacocks danced and a soft, gentle breeze wafted the fragrance of a myriad blooms…
Negative thoughts were the demons that were vanquished by Sai Gopala. And the little finger of the hand, that held aloft the mountain Govardhan sheltering the Brijvasis, continues to protect us all today…
At one point there was only Purusha, the Creator and His creation. Every atom rejoiced as the individual atma merged in the Paramatma, for that is, as the learned Maharaj explained, the true significance of the Ras Leela…
The unique melody of Devakinandan’s flute, ever since the time of Krishna, became an intrinsic part of the individual soul and has drawn all to Prasanthi Nilayam and Eashwarinandan ever so naturally.
Sri Rituraj Maharaj not only fascinated all with his rendition of the Bhagvatam with such simplicity, depth and clarity, but also with his deep knowledge and acceptance of Beloved Bhagawan’s teachings.
His words flowed with love and devotion not only for the Divine, but with compassion for creation as a whole - the plants and trees, the birds and animals, the mountains and rivers, indeed all of humanity. At one point he said that, while walking down the street if one came across a thirsty animal, one should immediately offer it water from their bottle.
It was quite touching to note that while so many refer to Bhagawan as Sai Krishna, he was referring to Gopala as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai….
Blessed are the ears that hear His glories, blessed is the environment where such sacred tales reverberate, and indeed blessed are we all that we live in the era and presence of the Lord Himself…
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